Childcare workers’ union to seek 25% pay rise after Labor budget snub

UWU director of early childhood education Helen Gibbons says demand for early education will only increase with more generous subsidies in place. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The union representing early childhood educators has condemned the Albanese government’s failure to boost their pay in the federal budget, signalling it will bring a multi-employer bargaining claim within weeks seeking a 25% pay rise.

Helen Gibbons, the director of early childhood education at the United Workers Union, said it was “very likely” it would make an application on behalf of thousands of educators shortly after new industrial laws take effect on 6 June.